[AROUND THE PARK]

SOLES Welcomes New Dean

USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) welcomed its new dean in Fall 2022. Kimberly A. White-Smith, EdD, comes to USD from the University of La Verne. “I embrace the vision of supporting students to engage in their research and academics to make informed choices and leverage global perspectives that lead to constructive action in their work, personal lives, and communities,” she says. “I believe this to be synergistic with my goals as a leader: to recognize the unique gifts and genius of every learner and honor the different ways those gifts manifest. I know our work together will be transformational.” SOLES’ nationally accredited programs span the realms of leadership, teaching and counseling, both at graduate and undergraduate levels.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Visits USD

Former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Wałęsa visited USD‘s campus in mid-November. He discussed current world events, his view of the United States’ role on the global stage, the history of the Solidarity Movement and his vision for a prosperous future. His address, “The Fall of Communism, Russia, and the War in Ukraine,” was part of the Distinguished Lecture Series at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. Wałęsa — the first-ever Polish leader elected by popular vote — co-founded the Solidarity Movement, which led to the first democratic elections in the country, the fall of communism in Poland and ultimately helped lead to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

College Access Initiative for Black Students

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) has received $1.5 million from the San Diego Foundation to develop and launch the Black InGenius Initiative (BiGI) — a college access and early literacy program for Black students within the San Diego region. Sixty rising sixth graders and their families will be selected for BiGI every year starting in Fall 2023. SOLES faculty and students will supplement students’ academics to assist underrepresented communities with consistent academic support to ensure college access. For students who have completed seven years of participation in BiGI and are accepted to USD, the university will meet 100% of the student’s federally demonstrated financial need with a personalized financial assistance package.

Men’s Soccer Defies the Odds To Win 2022 WCC Title

USD’s Men’s Soccer team can look at the totality of their 2022 season as a smashing success. They won the WCC championship by going undefeated in league play for the first time in more than two decades; an impressive feat from a squad that was picked by many to finish near the bottom of the WCC standings prior to the start of the season. “We’re in the history books. We’ve surpassed a lot of people’s expectations,” said junior midfielder and team captain Ross Johnstone. Head Coach Brian Quinn echoed that sentiment. “This group never lost faith in each other and came together as a unit in the way a coach loves to see. They well and truly deserve the WCC title.”